The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, or Festival of Chariots, is one of the most auspicious and significant festivals in the nation, drawing millions of devotees from worldwide. An annual event soaks itself in spirituality and tradition It celebrates the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath, his sister Devi Subhadra, and his brother Lord Balabhadra. Lord Jagannath is the reincarnation of the Lord Krishna. Each year, the well-decorated chariots take the three deities some distance away from the Gundicha Temple.
Overview
The devotees celebrate the annual event and much-awaited festival each year with great glory, charm, and enthusiasm. It usually falls in June or July, as per the English calendar. The Jagannath Temple at Puri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, marks the celebrations of this sacred festival, and millions of devotees arrive here to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
There are many mythological beliefs prevalent in the celebration of this auspicious festival. Let us today detail the date, day, and everything you need to know about this yearly event.
When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024? – Date and Day
This year, in 2024, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will fall on July 7th, Sunday. In Odisha, Jharkhand, and many other parts of Eastern India, people celebrate festivities with great devotion for nine days. The primary celebrations are in Puri, Odisha. Lord Jagannath and two other deities carry their chariots to Gundicha Temple and Mausi Maa Temple.
Significance, Celebrations, and Other Details
The different names recognize the chariots of both the Lords and Devi Subhadra. The deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and the Goddess are recognized as the ones for whom the chariots Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana are pulled respectively.
Many devotees pull these chariots with incredible dedication, believing that removing them will help them achieve salvation. The devotees also believe that the mere divine sight of the three deities will make all of them eradicate all their sins. On Tuesday, 16th July, the Bahuda Yatra, or the return yatra, will be celebrated. As per the best astrologer, this festival should be celebrated with great devotion, and visiting the temple during this duration is very auspicious and sacred. May Lord Jagannath fulfill everyone’s wishes and bring happiness, prosperity, and peace to their lives!
